History Nationalism Terms

Blood and Iron

An idea linked to Otto von Bismarck stating that Germany would be unified through military power and strength rather than speeches or democracy.

German Confederation

A loose alliance of German states formed after the Congress of Vienna that failed to unify Germany and was dominated by Austria and Prussia.

Red Shirts

A volunteer army led by Giuseppe Garibaldi that helped unify Italy by conquering southern Italy.

Sardinia

The strongest Italian state that led the movement to unify Italy under King Victor Emmanuel II.

Austria-Hungary

A dual monarchy formed in 1867 that ruled many ethnic groups, leading to nationalist tensions.

Bismarck

A Prussian leader who used war, diplomacy, and Realpolitik to unify Germany.

Unification

The process of combining smaller states into one strong nation.

Ems Telegram

A message edited by Bismarck to anger France and provoke the Franco-Prussian War.

German Empire

A unified German nation created in 1871 after Prussia defeated France.

Garibaldi

An Italian nationalist who led military campaigns to unify Italy.

Cavour

The prime minister of Sardinia who used diplomacy to promote Italian unification.

Junkers

Wealthy Prussian landowners who supported the monarchy and Bismarck.

Russification

A policy forcing Russian language and culture on non-Russian peoples.

Victor Emmanuel II

The first king of a unified Italy.

Realpolitik

A political approach focused on power and practical goals rather than morals.

Nationalism

A strong sense of pride and loyalty to one’s nation.

Seven Weeks’ War

A short war in 1866 where Prussia defeated Austria.

Schleswig-Holstein

Border provinces whose dispute led to conflict between Prussia and Austria.

Franco-Prussian War

A war between France and Prussia that completed German unification.

Kaiser

The title of the German emperor.